Heart to Hearts - NEGU - Jessie Rees Foundation

TeamNEGU Blog

[Heart to Hearts] Hi friends…I hope this note finds you well. My heart was crushed last week when one of my best friends called and told me his son was diagnosed with cancer. His worry…His fears…His voice brought back so many memories. I had no other response than to say… “I’m on my way”. So Thursday afternoon, I boarded a plane to Portland, Oregon and spent the next 3 days with my friend, his son and their family. I told him, all I want to do is be a blessing and not a burden. I didn’t try to fix the situation; rather, I listened, hugged, prayed and answered questions as I could. On Friday, his son had surgery to remove some of his lymph nodes so the doctors could have more information to aid in their treatment plan. This led to many emotions and hours at the hospital. This was a hospital I had delivered JoyJars to a few years back and a hospital that continues to spread JOY for us. So his son was in great hands, but their hearts were full of emotions like never before.

Hearing your child has cancer is the most devastating news a parent could ever hear. It was just as devasting watching my friend, his son and family wrestle with the news. This was truly a “heart to hearts” situation for me. My heart trying to help the hearts of my friend, his wife, his son and four other kids.

On Sunday, my friend drove me back to the airport and thanked me for dropping everything to be his “wing man”. After a parting hug and a “love you man”, I started towards the security lines. As I stood there waiting for my turn to present my ID, I started to make a mental list of the amazing “wing men & women” in my life that have grabbed corners of my stretcher from time to time. I started texting them and thanking them for being in my life. I also asked them to pray from my buddy’s son.

Then I thought to myself, I should share this experience in my next “Heart to Hearts” post. The purpose behind this post is two-fold: 1) Who are you being a “wing man (or woman)” to? 2) Who are your wing support people? Helping others and asking for help is so important in life. We need people in our lives to encourage, support and help us. I have learned first hand that pain is inevitable, but misery is optional. Having people in my life has helped me avoid “misery” and I truly believe people can help you too. All you have to do is “ask”.

If you find yourself making a mental list of your “wing support” team, today might be a great day to drop them a little note… “Hi, I just wanted to thank you for being in my life. You are such a source of encouragement to me.”

I also want to use this post to THANK YOU for being part of my support team. I love your comments, your encouragement and your support. I may never meet you in person but know I’m immensely grateful for your support.

Better together….
Erik